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and then there shall be one day, or more, if necessary, exclusively appropriated to the suggestions of improvement in matter and manner among the teachers. I believe that criticisms before the public are incalculably injurious-it excites in the subject of criticism a disposition to apologize away his reproof, or to justify himself, sometimes unqualifiedly. One of these courses would be most natural. Were la strong believer in special judgments, I would state the fact, that up to Monday morning there had been no criticisms, and that eleven persons obeyed the Lord; but from that time forward (after the commencement of the criticisms) the fountains of all hearts seemed to be dried-for not one more appeared disposed to put on our Lord according to his own special appointment.

This was the first meeting of the kind that I have attended, and I cannot, therefore, make a comparison between this and previous meetings. There is, however, one thing of which I can speak: Having heard most of the brethren in their public labors heretofore, I have not the least hesitation in saying that there has been much improvement in many; but there yet is room for more. I would recommend to all our brethren, and myself, a saying of Cowper, respecting witty sayings, when describing the preacher that Paul would approve.

The meeting adjourned on Thursday evening (the 8th) in the midst, I believe, of universal good will and Christian benevo. lence to meet again at Bedford, Cuyahoga county, on Friday before the first Lord's day in September, 1839.

In behalf of the meeting, I subscribe myself yours in the hope of the gospel, A. P. JONES.

News from the Churches.

PIKE COUNTY, Mo., September 16, 1838 Brother S. E. Jones has just informed me of the progress of reform under his labors since the first of May last. By immersion at Frankfort, Pike county, Mo., 38; at New London. Ralls county, 37; at Salt River, same county. 29; and at Louisville, Lincoln county, 10-making in all 114. E. MARTIN.

Thanks be to the Lord for his goodness.

WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky., September 28th, 1838. Brother Johnson, assisted by other brethren, has just closed a five days' meeting at Grassy Spring. He labored with all his peculiar zeal and potency. The result was, about 44 confessed that Jesus was "the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners." It was pleasing to see gray-headed fathers and mothers, young men and women, boys and girls, "buried with Christ in baptism." We bad a most interesting time. The weather was propitious. The brethren and sisters performed their part well, and the people were very intent to hear the word of the Lord. O! that we had many such men as brother Johnson in the field! May the Lord gaant him a long, happy, and useful life, and make him shine as a star in the firmament of heaven' Our present number is about 120. Grassy Spring is 5 or 6 miles from Mr. JC Styles' residence He still contiunes to oppose us; but I believe he gains but few proselytes, either to himself or to the Lord. WM. H. WHITTINGTON.

SHELBY COUNTY, Te., September 3, 1838.

I have been here only a few months, and we have got a church with some 30 members, with as good prospects as I have known any where; and if the brethren will act their parts we shall succeed well. We have, for the number, as many well informed and influential members as we could have obtained almost in any place, though most of them are babes in Christ. I have immersed, since I came here, three Methodists, three Presbyterians, and one Universalist. Having learned from long experience that it is better to teach the scriptures as they read, and let the sects alone, I pursue that course; and if our brethren would pursue the same course in every place, the old religion would soon be restored, and the people calling themselves Christians would begin to be prepared to meet their returning Lord. I wish you great success in building up the Lord's cause

MATTHEW W. WEBBER.

BOONE COUNTY, Mo., September 27, 1828.

Since the date of my last we have had numerous additions at some of the places where I labor in conjunction with other teaching brethren. It is unnecessary to go into details, as the account I now send you of the churches in this section of country, which was obtained at our late annual meeting, will give you all the particulars. The yearly meeting was held in Paris, Monroe county, and was numerously attended by elders, brethren, and sisters; it communenced on Friday, the 21st instant, and continued until the Wednesday night following. Crowds assembled to hear the word of life, which was ably dispensed among them, and to some good effect, for fourteen confessed the Lord and obeyed the gospel. Brotherly love and Christian affection seemed to fill the heart of every saint, and not the slightest incident occurred to interrupt the harmony of the brethren; and I am confident that all departed with the best feelings for each other, and firmly persuaded of the utility and importance of such meetings. Written or verbal communications were received from 28 churches, containing near 1400 members, and to which about 350 additions have been made during the last twelve months. (See the annexed statement.)

The teaching brethren present, were, Thomas M'Bride, Sen. MP Wills, William White, TM Allen, Warren Woodson, Jun. Joel Prewitt, William Reed, M Sidenor, Jacob Coons, N Ridgeway, Vivian, Jackman; also, brother William Stirman, from Arkansas, and brothersS F Jones and Lancaster, from the Mississippi country. The brethren in that region have recentiy had about 160 additions, most of which have been made since brother Lancaster's sojourn among them. The brethren there have recently held a co operation meeting, and have agreed to sustain brothers Lancaster and Jones as Evangelists for the next year.

We have agreed to hold the next annual meeting in Fulton, Calloway county-to commence on the Friday before the 2d Lord's day of October, 1839.

Churches & Counties, Increase in the last year. Pres. No. of members. When planted.

1 Columbia, Boone county,

19

80

1832

2 Bear Creek, Boone county,

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26 Jefferson City, Cole county,

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The congregations of Rocheport, Muddy, Santa Fee, and Jefferson City, have been planted since the last annual meeting.

The above statistical information will, I hope, be acceptable to your readers; and although there has been nothing like a great excitement in any congregation, yet the friends will see that the good cause is advancing in Missouri, and already has a strong hold in the affection of the citizcus of this country. A few more efficient Evangelists are greatly needed here,

1

I have been anxiously expecting the brethren in different sections of the United States to furnish such statistical information of the churches of Christ, in their respective vicinities, as would be satisfactory to friends and useful to the public-and hope they will not longer delay it.

I expect to start in a few days to Kentucky, and you possibly may not hear from me again until my return.T. M. ALLEN.

Your brother in the Lord Jesus,

SOUTH BUTLER, N. Y., September 25, 1838. You will probably be pleased to hear from this congregation in Butler. There are between 60 and 70 disciples here, attending to all their duties, and walking in love with one another. There is in this place a most loving little band of disciples, trying to serve our Master and Redeemer with all their soul. We rejoice to hear of the prosperity of Zion at the South. May the word of the Lord have free course and save sinners! The opposition here is strong, for which reason we are making but few additions at present; but we are not discouraged at all. We are continually exhorting one another to faithfulness and to love. We are determined to persevere in our present course, believing that we shall finally overcome all opposition through the word and favor of the I ord.

JOHN DRATT, JR.

ADAMSVILLE, Te., August 9, 1838.

The reformation is progressing slowly but steadily in this country. We maintain every inch of ground that we invade; but we are persecuted by the sects beyond measure. A Free-Will Baptist gave a challenge from the stand, not long since, which was promptly met by brother Andrews, when their champion backed out, and refused to investigate in the presence of witnesses, untess brother Andrews would affirın that baptisin alone would save. I think their conduct on this occasion will prove a mortal wound to their sectarian course here. The Methodists are not so enraged, although we occasionally immerse some of their intelligent members. Some seven or eight have been added since I last wrote you. One confessed (a Methodist) on last. Lord's day week.

We have appointed a protracted meeting at Clear Creek, in this vicinity, to commence on Friday before the second Lord's day in September, at which we anticipate the presence of several efficient teaching brethren. May the good Lord bless us in our attempts to promulge the ancient gospel! J. H. DUNN.

PROSPECTUS

FOR PUBLISHING IN ST. JOHN, N. B. A MONTHLY PERIODICAL, ENTITLED THE CHRISTIAN.

Our cause is not that of a party or a faction, but the cause of every loyal citizen of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

THE BIBLE. "The Bibie alone, the religion of Protestants. THE conductors of The Christian estimate every human production in proportion as it creates in the minds of its readers a love, reverence and respect for the Word of God. With them a Christian is one who believes what the Messiah has said, and practises what he has commanded.

This work shall have for its object the recovery of primitive Christianity from the spec ulations of the past and present ages, and its further developement, in its native simplicity, beauty, and excellency, as taught in the Living Oracles. It shall advocate the cause in which the Apostles and first Christians labored, suffered, and died.

Subservient to this object, the foilowing principles shall be attended to;-1. The authenticity of the Living Oracles; their worth, as the grand criterion of faith and practice; and as the only arbiter of all religious controversy. 2. The Scriptures shall be advocated as being "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," not only able to perfect the man of God, but a sure guide to eternal life. 3 Answer the important 'question-What did the Aposties preach as the gospel of the blessed Saviour? 4. Show its perfect adaptation to the lost and ruined condition of the human family. 5. Contrast this with what is called gospel at the present day. 6. Advocate the necessity of a return to a pure speech-to the Word of God. 7. Endeavor to ascertain the order of the primitive churches, and call upon our fellow-men to return to the apostolic and ancient order of things. 8. Answer important queries relative to the faith and practice of ChrisLians. 9. Take a passing notice of religious periodicals and publications. 10 Publish the success of the gospel throughout the world, so far as we become acquainted with its progress.

Thus The Christian shall give both sides of all religious controversies connected with the present and future salvation of the human family. Those differing from us in sente ment on the above topics, shall have the privilege of occupying a reasonable share of our pages, so long as they deinean themselves as gentlemen. Religious speculations and opinions shall be discarded. The difference between matters of faith and opinion shall be pointed out; and the necessity of all Christians receiving each other, without regard to differences of opinion, shall be a prominent feature of The Christian.

TERMS.-54. in advance or within 3 months-7s. 6d. at the end of the year. First number to be issued on the 1st of January, 1839, if the subscription will justify.

Subscriptions received at this office.

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Evangelist, the,

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Evangelists, claims of, No I. 199; No II. 244; No III. 302, No IV. 423; No V. 455;

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570

Guide to the instruction of young persons in the Holy Scriptures,

250

H-Harbinger, Millennial,

335

Hymn-Books, &c

335, 430

J-July, fourth of,

431

L-Letters to England, No VI. 42; No VII. 130; No VIII. 181; No ΙΧ. 227; Νο Χ. 472

Letter from M. Winans,

138, 139

J. A. Butler,

140

R. L.

40, 62, 304, 349, 417

Reply to,

65, 306, 352, 410

to Reformed Clergyman, by D. A.

435

Lord's day morning conversation,

390

Lock and Key,

252

M-Marriage, Paul on,

334

Morality of Christians, No 1.5; No II. 49; No III, 97; No IV. 145; No V 193; No VI. 241

No VII. 324; No VIII. 343; No IX. 385; No X, 458; No XI. 518

Morning Watch,

48

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Prophecies, No VII. 25; No VIII. 105; No IX. 161; No Χ. 225; No ΧΙ. 271; No ΧΙΙ. 318

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Spiritual Influence, Mr. Lynd on,

No VI. 327; No. VII. 377

567

126, 187, 304, 349, 417

462

431

235

33, 53, 101, 148, 311, 354, 399, 433, 494

Stiles, Rev. J. C.

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Lynd, 35, 56, 104, 150, 314, 357 402, 450, 498

T-Thomas Dr., remarks on his 2d letter,

:

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U-Universalisın, Discussion of Mr. Skinner to Mr. Campbell, 14, 74, 109, 168, 210

254, 289, 363, 393, 433, 481, 546

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Skinner, 20, 80, 115, 174, 217, 261, 295, 369, 408, 439

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